ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Jobseeker changes: Parental Assistance Test coming into force

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 5 Oct 2025, 6:54pm
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Jobseeker changes: Parental Assistance Test coming into force

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sun, 5 Oct 2025, 6:54pm

Thousands of teenagers could have their Jobseeker benefit cut next year, as the Government restricts payments.

Eighteen and 19-year-olds without children must pass a Parental Assistance Test to qualify from November 2026.

The threshold will be set at just over $65,000.

Social Development Minister Louise Upston told Tim Beveridge it's the same as the Supported Living Payment, and similar to the Student Allowance test.

She says those on very low incomes below that would not be able to support these teenagers.

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you